MY LORD,—There is such a dissonance between conscious innocence and
imputed guilt, that an upright mind must necessarily be confounded on
receiving an atrocious charge; and even when the falsehood of the
charge is made apparent, the recollection of it is often so bitter,
and its consequences so injurious, as almost to equal the pangs and
the deserved punishment of real guilt. Your case, my Lord, is one of a
singular complexion. Trained in the paths of honour, habituated to
patriotic deeds and high exploits, and possessing in an eminent degree
that noble disinterestedness, that open frankness peculiar to a naval
life, to you the recent charge must have been extremely galling.
Convinced of your innocence, permit us to approach your Lordship to
express the interest we have taken in that extraordinary affair. When
the charge was first preferred, we considered its improbability so
great as to require the strongest evidence to make it good. We rejoice
to find such evidence was wanting; nay, more, the lofty spirit of
independence, the keen sense of honour, which you manifested
throughout the whole affair; your astonishing address before the House
of Commons, and subsequent illustrations, has destroyed every vestige
of guilt, and placed your Lordship’s innocence in the most
advantageous point of view. The universal sentiment in your favour,
but especially the admirable conduct of the electors of Westminster,
have raised you to a higher eminence than that from which you had
fallen. You were, indeed, guilty of a crime,—a crime unpardonable in
the eyes of corruption; you had dictated energy and efficiency to
warlike measures; you sought the glory and happiness of your country,
you sought for justice to your associates in war; was it then to be
wondered at that malice should make you a favourite mark? No, my Lord;
but thanks to this enlightened age, her shafts have been diverted in
their course, and by their obliquity have centred in herself.
My Lord, allow us to conclude by expressing our confidence that the
circumstances which have called forth this address will, if possible,
strengthen your habits, and elevate your patriotic views, that when
the time arrives for resuming public functions, you will be found the
same intrepid, fearless champion of public and private right you have
ever been.
Accept, my Lord, the assurance of our regard,
JOHN M’NAUGHT, _Chairman_.
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